WestCAT is a convenient, accessible and safe way for people with disabilities to get around. All WestCAT buses meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, offering wheelchair ramps and other features to accommodate riders with disabilities. Paratransit-eligible passengers with a valid Regional Transit Connection Discount Card (RTC) can ride WestCAT fixed route buses at a reduced fare. Passengers with a valid Medicare card are also eligible for a reduced fare. Simply show your Medicare card to the driver upon boarding (driver may request a photo ID to verify proof of eligibility).

Wheelchair Accessibility

All WestCAT buses can be easily accessed by a wheelchair and can accommodate most types of wheelchairs and three-wheeled scooters that comply with ADA guidelines. All wheelchairs and other mobility devices must be secured with tie-down straps while in the bus. If wheelchair spaces are already occupied, the driver will stop and let you know to catch the next bus. When boarding the bus, please back on to the lift for your safety. If you need assistance, let the driver know.

Visually Impaired Passengers

All transfer point bus stops and major intersections are called out by WestCAT Operators.  

Service animals

You may travel with a service animal such as a guide dog or canine companion.  For Dial-A-Ride and ADA Paratransit passengers, please inform the dispatcher at the time you book your trip that you will be traveling with a service animal.  All service animals must be on a harness and sit on the floor, out of the aisle.  Pets and other non-service animals may be carried on WestCAT only in a properly secured cage or carrier.  If you require clarification as to what ADA regulations have defined as a service animal please call (510) 724-7993.

WestCAT is Accessible

Low floor ramp and kneeling buses make it easy for customer’s to get on and off the bus.  Customers should tell the driver if they need to use the ramp or kneeling feature to get on or off the bus. Priority seats are located behind the driver. If a customer needs priority seating, please give up your seats for them.

Boarding with the ramp

Wait at the bus stop sign and indicate to the driver that you need to use the ramp.

• Position yourself to be clear of the ramp as it deploys.
• Wait for the driver to tell you when to move onto the platform.
• If you are using a wheelchair or other mobility device, move to the special seating area and set the brake.
• The driver will secure wheelchairs with the securements provided.
• Pay your fare and tell the driver your destination so that bus can be positioned correctly at your stop.
  

Exiting with the ramp

• Signal the driver about a block before your stop to remind the driver.
• The driver will allow other riders to board and exit before releasing wheelchair restraints.
• The driver will advise you when to proceed to the ramp platform.
  

WestCAT Dial-A-Ride Paratransit Service

WestCAT offers door-to-door service to customers with disabilities that prevent their use of regular accessible transit service. Customers must receive eligibility approval to use of this service. For additional information about Dial-A-Ride, please call the WestCAT ADA Coordinator at 724-6320 or head to our Dial-A-Ride section on our website.

The following is a list of Paratransit Agencies providing commute services to individuals with disabilities who are certified to use paratransit:

• Contra Costa County LINK (925) 676-1976 Ext. 601 or 608
• East Bay Paratransit (510) 287-5000
• Pleasanton Paratransit (925) 931-5376
• Richmond Paratransit Program(510) 307-8026 or (510) 307-8027
• San Francisco Paratransit (415) 351-7050, TT (415) 351-3942
• Tri-City Paratransit (Fremont Area) (510) 494-454
• Vallejo Runabout (707) 649-1999
• Wheels Dial-A-Ride, Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (925) 455-7555
• Whistle Stop Wheels, Paratransit Services sponsored by
  Marin County Transit District and Golden Gate Transit (415) 454-0964
  

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, better known as the ADA, is federal legislation that guarantees persons with disabilities full and equal access to the same services and accommodations that are available to people without disabilities.

Return to:  Rider's Guide - Welcome Page